Why Your Vet Referred Your Pet To Us

You may be wondering why your regular veterinarian referred your pet to Animal Dermatology & Allergy. It is important to know that the diagnosis and treatment of pet allergy and skin disease can be one of the most frustrating and difficult conditions to treat successfully. While many cases can be treated at the general practice level, some cases become so complex and involved that it becomes necessary to seek a specialist's consultation. This is no different than human medicine in which you may be referred to a cardiologist, surgeon, internist or dermatologist. Veterinary medicine has these same specialties in which already licensed veterinarians go back for rigorous and intense specialty training for as much as 2-3 years. They must pass a thorough examination given by their peers in order to be Board Certified in their specialty. Dr. Cannon is Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Dermatology and Dr. Stepnik has completed her residency in Veterinary Dermatology and is ready to take her board examinations.   It is a credit to your regular vet that he/she is utilizing the services of a specialist. You can be assured that your vet is doing everything they can to achieve the best possible outcome for your pet.

Making the Appointment

Animal Dermatology & Allergy works very hard to accomodate your schedule. Generally, new clients are scheduled for an initial one hour appointment which allows the Doctor to completely evaluate your pet's history and clinical signs. Typically, the new client will make the appointment by calling one of our clinics. Then, you can fill out the form linked here, push the submit button and bring a copy with you to the appointment.

Before Your Appointment

Please don't bathe your pet approximately one week prior to the appointment. It is most helpful when we see your pet in it's unbathed state as it makes it easier to detect infections or other conditions. Please continue all your pet's usual medications prescribed by your regular veterinarian. There are rare occasions when we ask you to discontinue a medication prior to the appointment but this is an uncommon situation.

The Appointment

Please plan to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your appointment with your leashed or crated pet. We have great refreshments available while you wait. For new clients, we reserve one hour appointment times which gives the doctor plenty of time to evaluate your pet. You, the owner of your pet, play an integral role in the diagnostic process in that you can provide important historical information on when the pet itches the most etc. In many cases, the doctor may perform simple in-clinic tests like a microscopic examination of the bacterial or yeast populations of the pet's skin. In other cases, the doctor may need to do blood, skin or other tests depending on the individual needs of your pet. The doctor may prescribe medications or a specific diet for awhile that are used more to determine what is causing the skin condition rather that actually treat it. This is an important step to really figuring out what is going on. Only after a definitive diagnosis can the doctor proceed with a treatment designed to relieve symptoms. Allergies and other skin conditions are quite difficult to diagnose and manage in pets and it is important to be patient with the process as it can take awhile to determine the cause. Click here for directions to all of our clinics.